Context Switching: The Impact and How to Reduce It (For Creatives)
- Adilla
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Multitasking sounds like the key to productivity, but would creatives actually benefit from this? Or, in other terms, context switching, where you don’t work on just one thing but multiple tasks in one go.
Unfortunately, it’s not as beneficial as we think.
What seems to be an act for more productivity and efficiency actually does the opposite, especially for creatives. Context switching will only add to the mental load for creatives who thrive in a natural flow state that requires deep focus work.
In this article, we break down the cost of context switching and ways to reduce it by utilising some helpful tools.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Context switching is tempting to do when you want to multitask, but it does more harm than good.
Creatives thrive better with deep work and a space for them to achieve flow state.
Reducing the chances of context switching can help improve productivity, efficiency, and performance.
What is Context Switching
Context switching is an activity in which you have to shift your focus from one task to another, typically with a different context. For example, switching between creating content for social media and giving feedback on an article.
In hindsight, it doesn't seem harmful, but with constant switching, it will affect work efficiency. According to the American Psychological Association's research, individuals who switch tasks find themselves taking more time than those who do repeated similar tasks.
Efficiency isn’t the only reason why we shouldn’t switch tasks, right?
3 Impacts of Context Switching on Creatives
As we mentioned about the effect it has on efficiency, context switching also impacts these:
Affects Overall Productivity
When you frequently switch contexts, it doesn’t just happen between tasks; it can also occur when you check your phone in response to incoming notifications. This constant distraction can impact your productivity and cause you to lose the momentum you initially had.
For example, as animators work on sketches for an emotional scene, they need to capture that feeling, but when distraction rolls in, it can be hard to get back into that mode.
Increases Mental Fatigue
Taking on multiple tasks or contexts can increase your mental load. It may seem manageable, but multitasking or switching between tasks is often more exhausting than you realise.
For instance, when graphic designers have to create multiple visual posts for social media, working on multiple designs in one go sounds like a good idea. However, the mental load of constantly switching will only add to mental fatigue.
Loses the Flow State
Creatives must enter a flow state and enhance their ability to engage in deep work. This state cannot be reached if you frequently switch contexts, as this can lead to disorientation. Additionally, returning to the flow state can be challenging when you do a context switch.
3 Ways to Reduce Context Switching
Schedule Time Blocking
As you organise your tasks and workflow, time block and group similar tasks together to keep yourself from straying away to other tasks. While you do so, making your tasks known to your team will ensure uninterrupted focus time for yourself.
You can update your progress in TESSR’s My Work by changing work statuses, updating the actual timeline, and also accessing the Insight feature to check on your team member’s progress. This refrains team leads from asking for status updates, as they can easily use these features to ensure the team is on track.
Group Communication Channels
Other than grouping tasks, streamlining your communication channels and categorising feedback space can prevent miscommunication and context switching, too. Setting up a specific space for review makes it easier to refer back to previous changes, and time helps set expectations.
For instance, TESSR’s Review not only allows you to upload multiple renditions but also logs all activities in their respective communication channels to prevent cluttered chats.
One highlight of this feature is the ability to mark up and annotate the design directly by drawing, highlighting, and even leaving voice notes. Now you can add contextual comments by marking video frames and assigning action items without switching tabs.
Reduce Interruptions
It’s also important to ensure minimal external interruptions, like reducing notifications or setting a time limit on your phone apps. Thus, you can properly commit to deep work sessions and step into a flow state easily. Additionally, you can utilise project management tools to prevent context switching and fragmenting focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an example of context switching?
An example of context switching can be responding to emails, then switching to writing captions for social media. Or, giving visual feedback to a team member, then putting your attention on a new design task notification from your creative leader.
Is context switching a skill?
It can be a skill, as it reflects an individual’s mental flexibility and adaptability. However, we encourage focusing on tasks one at a time rather than giving yourself the mental load of context switching.
Author Bio
With a background in Arts English, Adilla has been a casual writer for various hobbies like parodies of animated shows and plots for board games. She loves to read anything and everything from fantasy stories to articles on tips and tricks. Now an advocate for mental health and effective project management for the creative industry. Currently, Adilla resides in Malaysia and is a creative writer at TESSR. To know more about her, check out her LinkedIn.
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